Go paperless with First Degree Systems
21st February 2012

The dream of paperless window factory is now a reality following the launch of First Degree Systems (FDS) new Bar Code Tracking programme.

Ideal for fabricators of any size, Bar Code Tracking is a cost effective software solution that enables window manufacturers to track components and products as they make their way through the factory, giving managers a greater insight into their business and helping them operate more efficiently. The programme records every manufacturing activity on the factory floor and all information is displayed onscreen at the terminals, thus eliminating the need for paper.

Alan Bark, FDS’s sales and marketing director of FDS discusses the new technology: “Bar Code Tracking offers complete traceability throughout the factory and is ideal for any fabricator serious about reducing their costs and saving time. It means fabricators can ditch the booklets they normally send around with each product, an item that can become lost or damaged anyway, and rely on Bar Code Tracking to monitor activity.”

Alan claims the programme is incredibly simple to use and can be easily customised by the fabricator to suit their individual needs. “If a user wants to customise the software, for instance alter how information is displayed on the screen, it can be done without the need to consult an FDS engineer, making life much easier for the fabricator.”

Information available through Bar Code Tracking includes how many windows have gone through the factory on a certain day; how long an employee spends at each station, helping managers identify if extra training is needed; and if there is a bottleneck in the factory.

“You can also monitor factory trends” Alan adds. “For instance, there may be a trend for cracked profile or a slow down at a certain station for a particular product. Bar Code Tracking enables operators to take a picture of the damaged product using the integrated webcam before sending it back to the relevant station. This helps managers identify why errors have occurred so they can make sure it does not happen in the future.”

Bar Code Tracking is also a useful tool for streamlining deliveries. The programme will ensure the delivery lorry doesn’t leave with any missing components and can also organise items within the lorry, telling clients which items to stack at the front and which at the back.

Furthermore, the programme runs on low specification computers, meaning the fabricator does not need to invest in expensive hardware to enjoy the benefits.

“In the current marketplace, the successful, growing fabricators are those investing in I.T and using the latest software to operate more efficiently. Bar Code Tracking is an essential tool for the modern fabricator and will ensure any window factory is operating at its optimum level” Alan concludes.

www.first-degree-systems.com